A SHEEP breed, that offers valuable attributes and high yields, is showing promising results for Mike and Velia O'Hare of Beckom.
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They are easy care. There is no shearing, no crutching and no muelsing.
- Mike O'Hare
After hearing about Sheepmasters through rural media reports Mr O'Hare contacted a breeder from Western Australia and bought six rams back in 2018.
He also arranged to meet with breed founder Neil Garnett at the Bendigo Sheep Show.
"They sounded like the sheep we had been looking for so we organised a trip to Western Australia to check them out for ourselves," Mr O'Hare said.
He explained some of the background of the breed which had been the brainchild of Mr Garnett in his search for an easy-care option.
"At one stage he (Mr Garnett) owned Collinsville Merino Stud," he said.
Going back 28 years, from his base near the Margaret River Mr Garnett set himself a goal to establish a shedding breed (no wool), that had high fertility with good legs and structure that could handle tough conditions and also meet the specifications of the meat industry.
Eight different breeds were used to source the foundation genetics and inject the characteristics required.
Mr O'Hare said it was the shedding ability plus the walking capabilities, early maturity and hardiness that attracted him to the breed.
"They are easy care. There is no shearing, no crutching and no mulesing," he said.
"They've (Sheepmasters) have only been in the market for such a short time, but the popularity is snowballing more rapidly as people see what they can do," he said.
He said it was still early days and there was no scientific trial data available on the breed yet but market results and anecdotal evidence boded well for the SheepMaster breed in his operation.
Ultimately time would be the judge, however, there was already enthusiasm in the industry from people wanting to use SheepMaster genetics.
Mr O'Hare said he was pleased with how the versatile high-yielding breed had fitted in at his operation in southern NSW.
SHEEP MASTER OPEN DAY:
Those interested in learning more about the SheepMaster breed are invited to 28 O'Hare's Lane Beckom, NSW on July 6 from 2pm to 4pm. The display of animals and informative session will be followed by afternoon tea. Registrations at www.sheepmaster.com.au or contact Mike O'Hare on 0429 782 189.
Rural journalist with Fairfax media based in the Riverina.
Rural journalist with Fairfax media based in the Riverina.
